Meghalaya 'fastest growing state', Sonia parrots PM

Feb 20, 2013, 03.08AM ISTTNN[ Manosh Das ]

PM at an election rally in Shillong said Meghalaya was one of the "fastest growing" states in the country, followed by Sonia Gandhi parroting the same.

JOWAI: A stunning bit of 'news', which the people of this remote and impoverished northeastern state were hitherto unaware of, has been broken twice by the Congress leaders. First it was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who at an election rally in Shillong Friday last said Meghalaya was one of the "fastest growing" states in the country, followed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi parroting the same here on Tuesday.

"Meghalaya bears the proud distinction of being one of the fastest growing states not just in the northeast. This is a success, not just in social or financial terms but also in administrative terms. We have ushered in an era of peace, prosperity and stability that is unique in the history of Meghalaya," Sonia said while canvassing for her party for the February 23 assembly election.

She said the Congress led-UPA and Meghalaya government have worked "diligently and in earnest" to provide solid foundations of administration on which the people can build their lives. "Under the current government, Meghalaya has witnessed a very productive and peaceful period. In many ways, it has grown far more rapidly than most other states in the country," she iterated.

Sonia spoke on chief minister Mukul Sangma's pet project - the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme - as did PM Singh. Claiming that the state has seen a "major inflow" of investment, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare, Sonia said, "We have endeavoured to be a government that works for the uplift of the poor while simultaneously encouraging enterprise," she added.

Touching on the sensitive issue of illegal migration from across the border, she said, "We are aware that much still needs to be done, including on issues such as those related to immigration. We are at present engaging with the Bangladesh government to stem out illegal immigration that is of concern to you."

Not forgetting the burning issue of mining in Meghalaya, Sonia said she was aware that illegal mining is a threat to the environment of the state and added Congress has taken some measures in this direction.

"The people of Meghalaya have always reposed their trust in us and we have and will not ever breach that trust. That is why, I am here to ask you to give us the opportunity to continue in our efforts to give voice to your aspirations and dreams," the Congress president campaigned.

Addressing an election rally in Tura, Sonia showered praises on the Congress-led government in the state and sought a renewed mandate for the party.